Siddons' Interview

[Eshen]

‘One learns from best in business’

Chittagong: Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons, who turned out for Australia in an ODI 22 years ago, spoke to The Telegraph on the eve of the ongoing Test here.

The next few months, by the way, are going to be busy for the 45-year-old both professionally and personally — Siddons and his partner Kim, who have an infant daughter (Stella), intend getting married in April.

“Yeah, a few things are lined up,” Siddons said, laughing.

The following are excerpts

Q What’s it like coaching a team which, at the Test level, at least, is always seen as the underdog?

A It’s difficult... At the same time, I’m in a situation where, each day that I come to work, I expect to see some improvement... I work towards a goal, instead of (only) worrying where the team is placed and so on. Working towards a goal, that of getting better, is rewarding.

You were John Buchanan’s deputy for a couple of years. What did you learn during your time with Australia?

One is always learning, whatever be the profession... One learns from how the best go about their business... Obviously, because of the difference in the skill levels of players, that was a different experience.

Your impressions of Buchanan?

John was a really good motivator of his team and a very good manager of his staff... He set goals for the team... (After a pause) I’m working with totally different types of players... It’s a totally different mindset, a different environment... For me, motivating the players alone won’t do, I’ve got to help develop their skills, too.

The roles of coaches differ from team to team...

They do, most definitely. I’m happy trying to improve the players’ skills at nets.

How would you describe your approach?

(Grins) There’s no magic involved... I’m here to improve the players’ skills... It has to be at a high level, otherwise, they just won’t be able to compete... Won’t be able, for example, to beat India... My job is to enhance the ability of each player... To make him better... The operative word is improvement.

Having put in two years, are you satisfied that Bangladesh is on the correct path?

Yeah... The skills are there, now it’s more about development... Don’t forget Bangladesh lost many players to the ICL and rebuilding was involved...

Do coaches have a shelf life?

Depends... After a couple of years, with more experience, I may want to move to a different team... At that point in time, maybe coaching India or Australia would suit me better.

Is there a coach who has it all and is there one who has influenced you?

I enjoyed working with John... He would motivate... I’ve read a lot of books concerning coaches of other disciplines.

You’re known to speak your mind. After Bangladesh lost to Ireland in the World T20, last summer, you gave enough indications that you’d be reading the Riot Act...

I was more disappointed for them... They just didn’t back themselves against a team like Ireland... Since then, the boys have worked very hard... I think they’ve realised that their places aren’t secure unless they perform. They’ve also realised I’ll be supporting them as long as they work hard.

But wasn’t a lot made of Bangladesh defeating a grossly under-strength West Indies in the West Indies, last July?

I wouldn’t say a lot was made of the first overseas Test and series win... It was a huge moment and you can’t take that away from the team... It’s always good to win, but people do realise that it wasn’t the West Indies’ first XI.

What’s the challenge for you, particularly in this series?

Proving to people that, as a unit, we’re getting better... I’d love our batters to put up big scores... I’d love our fast bowlers, who’re at the same speed as the Indian quicks, to make an impact... They need to bowl in the right areas, something they haven’t always done.

Were you offended by Virender Sehwag’s “Bangladesh is an ordinary side” comment?

(Grins) He could’ve put it a little better... Having said that, we haven’t done anything to suggest we’re a great team... We’re developing... We’re a young side... We’re not a team of Sehwags. If we were, opinions would be different. Development takes time.

Shakib-al Hasan got the captaincy by default, after Mashrafe Mortaza’s fitness problems. How has he been doing?

Shakib’s a confident young player... He’s not afraid to try a few things... He’s fairly aggressive and seems to be going along really well... When doing well, particularly, he’s a confident and competent captain.

The Test before the ongoing one was six months ago, in the West Indies. Aren’t such long breaks frustrating?

It’s tough, because we’ve got to keep starting all over again... Because we play so little, becomes a new thing for us. What’s good is that we’ll be playing five after this series in fairly quick time... One in New Zealand, two at home against England and, then, two in England... The same set of players is there in all forms, which isn’t the case with, say, India.

Ideally, you’d like a different lot for limited overs cricket, is it?

When we have the depth.

Do you agree with predecessor Dav Whatmore’s point that the Bangladesh team shouldn’t judge itself by rankings, but by the realisation of individual targets?

Absolutely... Individual improvement is critical... Surely, we can’t jump from No.9 to the top three or something... Even to move to No.8 would take time... We’ve got to be realistic and look to first bridging the gap... The gap is wide and, in any case, we don’t play that much.

Bangladesh is a co-host of the 2011 World Cup. Would playing at home be an advantage or, because of the pressure, a disadvantage?

I’d like to turn it into a real advantage...

How do you handle the pressure which comes on your shoulders?

Actually, haven’t really felt the pressure, as I don’t judge this team on wins and losses... People in Bangladesh may want success straightaway, but the development of this cricket team is a long-term thing... I do feel pressure of sorts when I find that a particular player isn’t improving.

The final one... Is there something you’ve learnt during your time with Bangladesh?

(Grins) Not to get too caught up in the politics of what’s happening at the Board-level... I’ve got to focus on my brief, not to look at changing the world in a hurry... A lot of things could be done better, but that takes time and calls for money. It’s not fair to compare things here with Australia.

[Zunaid]

(Grins) Not to get too caught up in the politics of what’s happening at the Board-level.

That speaks volumes.

[Beamer]

It does..

[amar11432]

Originally Posted by Eshen

Do coaches have a shelf life?

Depends... After a couple of years, with more experience, I may want to move to a different team... At that point in time, maybe coaching India or Australia would suit me better.

So what? Is he about to bail out on us?

[Ajfar]

Originally Posted by amar11432
So what? Is he about to bail out on us?

that will only happen if World Cup 2011 is a huge success for Bangladesh team.

[Tigers_eye]

Originally Posted by amar11432
So what? Is he about to bail out on us?

Reading too much in to it. He is with us till 2011. That is what his contract says. I like what he has done with Tamim, Riyad. No deshi coach would be able to achieve this much so fast. I had a feeling Tamim wasn't ready for the big leagues. As with Shakib, Mushi and all newcomers. However, he has made me a believer that these young boys of early 20's are better, faster, stronger than all combined of the previous generations. Each and everyone contributes. Their contribution just gets better by time.

I can proclaim we have the best lower middle order in the world. Blow for blow and some. Jamie had something to do with it.

[Beamer]

He is by far the best coach we have ever had.

[cricman]

What he said about shelf lives is true for international coaches in Soccer and Cricket

You Rarely see one coach stay for 2 World Cup Cycles

[AsifTheManRahman]

Originally Posted by Tigers_eye
I can proclaim we have the best lower middle order in the world. Blow for blow and some. Jamie had something to do with it.

LOL, that's because we have (almost) specialist batsmen coming down at #7 and #8.

But of course, Jamie's been the best man for the job all along.

[WarWolf]

This man knows the business and now understood how to talk in sub-continent.